The Sunrisers Eastern Cape claimed a 58-run bonus point victory over Durban’s Super Giants at Kingsmead on Friday.
The defending champions were desperate to kick-start their season after three defeats.
Aiden Markram’s team responded to the rallying call from their skipper with a much-improved performance with the bat after he won the toss and opted to take the first strike.
England international Zak Crawley provided the early momentum with a 29-ball 34 before fellow Englishman Tom Abell crafted a 39-ball 57 to maintain the momentum through the middle order.
Marco Jansen, who was fresh off a half-century in the last match, again provided the late flourish with 36* off 26 balls. The lanky all-rounder shared an unbroken partnership of 24 off 13 balls with Tristan Stubbs (15* off eight balls) to lift the Sunrisers to 165-5.
Mystery spinner Noor Ahmad was the Super Giants’ most successful bowler with figures of 4-24.
HIGHLIGHTS: Durban’s Super Giants vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SA20)
The Super Giants’ reply started in a positive fashion with opener Bryce Parsons and Matthew Breetzke putting on 40 for the first wicket.
However, the pair were involved in a horrible mix-up which led to Parsons being run out for 23 off 21 balls.
Tristan Stubbs really enjoyed that runout ? #BetwaySA20 #DSGvSEC #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/hwZJAHKpKz
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 17, 2025
The Super Giants never quite recovered, with left-arm spinner Liam Dawson utilising the spin-friendly conditions at Kingsmead to his advantage.
The Englishman showed his experience by having Kane Williamson (three) caught and bowled before trapping Breetzke (21) plumb in front to finish with 2-18 from his four overs.
Dawson received solid support from fellow spinner Simon Harmer, who claimed the big wicket of last season’s MVP, Heinrich Klaasen, for just one.
Despite a couple of dropped catches that delayed the inevitable, the Sunrisers seamers completed a brilliant all round bowling performance with Richard Gleeson and Ottneil Baartman both chipping in with 2-17 to dismiss the Super Giants for just 107.
The two sides will go head-to-head again at St George’s Park on Sunday (3:30pm).
Photo: Rogan Ward/Sportzpics
